Why You Should Swap Coconut Oil for Coconut Milk

Beth Wischnia
Apr 19, 2016

Coconut oil has been around forever, but it’s gained a ton of popularity in the health and beauty world over the past couple years. It’s one of those magical products (and ingredients) with a list of uses that never ends. From slathering it on dry skin to oil pulling to using it as a gentle makeup remover, coconut oil has proven itself as an all-star beauty product that deserves a permanent spot in your bathroom cabinet, but there’s another member of the coconut family that could bring even more benefits to the table.

SKIN

The proteins and fatty acids found in coconut milk work wonders on your skin. Using a coconut milk-based cleanser (or just washing your face with raw, unrefined coconut milk by itself) can help fight against wrinkles, tighten up your skin, calm irritation and give a healthy dose of hydration. Coconut milk is also an all-natural way to deal with a nasty sunburn, thanks to its highly soothing properties. While coconut oil will definitely hydrate parched (and sunburned) skin, coconut *milk* will take moisturizing to the next level. Get your DIY on and experiment with creating good-for-your-skin recipes by mixing in ingredients like aloe vera, honey, avocado and cucumber.

Good news: Creamy coconut milk drinks are another way to reap its benefits, especially for your skin. Think of it as improving your skin from the inside out. It helps retain elasticity and keeps your skin supple and smooth.

HAIR

Remember those fatty acids found in coconut milk? They’re basically like deep conditioners on overdrive for your locks, adding in essential proteins that keep your hair strong, shiny and healthy. Coconut milk also acts as an invigorating scalp treatment — it has a refreshingly cool sensation that makes you feel like you’re at the spa — that can actually jump-start hair growth and nourish your hair follicles. You can also create a coconut milk conditioning mask by adding avocado and letting it sit on the shaft of your hair for about 20 minutes — that is, if you can manage not to eat it first ;)

MAKEUP

While we’re all about drinking this yummy stuff, it’s also a great topical product for removing your makeup in a really gentle, non-irritating way (AKA you won’t be rubbing your eyelashes off in the process). Mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to cotton balls, then let those cotton balls rest on your closed eyes for one minute until your makeup dissolves. Not only will you be left with mascara-free eyes, but you’ll be giving your entire eye area (lashes included!) a healthy dose of hydration that’ll show in the improved strength of your lashes.

Are you a fan of coconut milk? Tweet us your thoughts @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Taylor Swift's Best Kansas City Chiefs Game Day Outfits, Ranked

We've been truly blessed with the amount of Taylor Swift sightings we've gotten as of late — and we can certainly thank Travis Kelce and all his Kansas City Chiefs games for that! In the past year, Swift pulled out so many iconic looks for each game, scoring fashion touchdown after touchdown.

Since I cannot get enough of her game day style, I thought I'd rate some of Taylor Swift's best Chiefs outfits from the past year! Plus, I've added how you can shop the look for less (since not all of us can be decked out in Vivienne Westwood head-to-toe). You're welcome! 😘

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints

Everyone say, "Thank you Travis," because I'm so grateful to see this relationship-glow and get blessed with this incredible look all at once! This is Taylor's most recent outfit she pulled out in Kansas City, and it's honestly everything. Taylor sported glitter freckles that are the cutest thing ever, along with an all Vivienne Westwood fit — CHIC.

Vivienne has been her go-to designer for events lately, but she also sneaks in some daily wear looks, too. I'm loving this fashion match — I think the silhouettes were made for Taylor, and totally fits in with her new Reputation vibe she's been in, with leaving more grunge-y than normal. If you want to achieve this look then you can consider shopping these pieces:

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

Next up, we have this absolutely jaw-dropping denim on denim look — truly one of her most flattering outfits. When I saw this, my jaw literally dropped! It's that good, from the ultimately sexy thigh high red boots to the denim corset and Louis Vuitton bag. Shop the look for less here:

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (AFC Championship Version)

How could we ever forget this iconic red sweater when Taylor met Travis on the field after the Chiefs' AFC Championship win? This is my favorite pic of her of ALL time. She's giving happy, elated, loved, and just all-around amazing vibes. The exact red sweater is $700 and from Guest in Residence (her BFF Gigi Hadid's brand). This red looks amazing on her, so I had to link a few of my favorites that are pretty similar:

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers

Winter is quickly approaching, and it's time to stock up on some heavy duty coats — especially if you're in colder climates. This look of Taylor's is one of my favorites from last year! This shade of red is so chic on her, and the matching WAGS make it even better! Here are some similars to the coat:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets

Taylor's really leaned into a '90s grunge aesthetic as a football WAG, and it suits her so well. This casual denim and leather look was another top contender that I loved from her, styled to perfection with her signature red lip. Check out these items for a similar look:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

6. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Santa's coming to town, and he's bringing his sister T-Swift. Here we have Taylor dressed in the most Red look ever with her brother at the Chiefs vs. Raiders game last year. This is a top contender for me because of how indie and tumblr-esque it is. With the plaid skirt and shearling jacket, it is the quintessential fall and winter look that I will be replicating with these items:

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

7. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

I love when Taylor does a theme, and boy does she do it well! Her thematic dressing has really come out with her WAG era, which has to be in my top three eras of hers in general. This oversized shirt with the thigh high boots are giving everything. Not to mention another stunning choice of bag with the Louis Vuitton, once again! Here's some similar outfit options for your next game day fit:

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

8. Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl Version)

And lastly, her ever-iconic Super Bowl 2024 look that we could never forget. We got so much Tayvis content — and so much love between their friends and family! I just remember obsessively stalking Tiktok for updates instead of watching the game... but don't tell my husband!

This corset look is so good, because not only does she look amazing, but also because she paired it with these insane bedazzled jeans that are to die for. While the original jeans are $700, you can get the look for less here:

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5 Swoon-Worthy JJ & Kiara Moments From 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 1

After Outer Banks season 3, fans were eager to see what being in a real relationship meant for JJ (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara (Madison Bailey), and thankfully, they won't be disappointed. Part 1 included some fantastic moments for the new couple, ranging from earlier season callbacks to their first official date. So, in honor of the first 5 episodes of season 4, here are our top 5 Jiara moments from Outer banks season 4 part 1!

​5. Diver Down

Netflix

Let’s be honest, one of the things fans were most excited to see now that JJ and Kiara are together is JJ’s protectiveness over Kiara. We’ve seen it plenty of times in the past, but things are a little different now that he’s her boyfriend, and it’s in full force when they’re attacked underwater and Kiara loses the scuba diving gear providing her oxygen.

From JJ stabbing the guy with a spear gun to him banging on the door of the ship, desperate to get back to Kiara and screaming her name, this sequence delivers. Then, of course, there’s the fact that he immediately gives her his air so she can breathe.

​4. An Undercover Date

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

When trying to track down the man who attacked them, JJ says their plan is to “detain, extract, investigate,” and sneak up on him as spies would. Kiara likes it, declaring they’re undercover before suggesting they act like they’re on a date – if he knows what that looks like. JJ questions her and she mentions they’ve never been on a date before, challenging him to name just one. He then tells her that they're on a date right now, grabbing her hand so they can do date things together on the pier. What does that include? Snow cones and a dare to jump into the water.

​3. “Us Against The Universe.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Since they didn’t make their diving safety stop as Pope instructed them to, Kiara and JJ get the bends (bubbles in their blood and tissues), and the Pogues rush them to the hospital, where they have to spend 12 hours in a hyperbaric chamber. With 12 whole hours together, you can imagine where this going. But before that, since this is their first moment to reflect on what happened, JJ comments how she almost died, and says that he never should’ve let her go down there. Naturally, Kiara has a different way of looking at it, saying if she wasn’t there, the attacker would’ve gotten JJ instead.

Moral of the story? They save each other and it’s them against the universe. JJ also makes a cute call back to when he called her a Kook, and we love some good banter.

​2. The Turtle Hatch

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Kiara’s pure joy at the sight of a turtle hatch on the beach is a beautiful moment for the character, who's talked about saving the turtles since season 1. However, Ruthie and Topper have other plans for this precious moment and decide to drive their truck directly at the Pogues, who are trying to safely get the turtles to the ocean. Kiara notices and goes in front of the truck, trying to tell them that there’s a hatch and to go around, but they ignore her, running over the area not once but twice.

Why this is so high on my list is because of the way JJ stands by her side as she confronts the Kooks for killing a baby turtle. He lets her take charge and say what she needs to, only getting involved when Topper puts his hand on her. JJ's taken the lead in these conversations in the past, and to see the roles reverse like this just proves why they work so well together. Plus, there’s the whole “You come near her, or any of us ever again, and I’ll come back and kill every single one of you.”

“He’s Happy.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

In episode 4x01, one of the scenes that stands out is JJ’s dance celebration when their bait, tackle, and charter shop is finally in business. When Sarah jokingly asks if he’s okay, Kiara answers, “Yeah, he just never really had a home. He’s happy,” and that’s why this moment is number 1 on the list.
With JJ being such a complex character, he needs someone who fully understands him and what he’s been through, and that person is Kiara. She knows he has to learn how to be in a relationship, how to handle money, and how to allow happiness and love into his life. That’s perfectly shown in the way she makes her way over to him, telling JJ that she loves him before the two share their first kiss of the season. JJ's added “We did it" is a sweet sentiment to how he now views the two of them as a team, as well as how far they’ve come. Cheers to Captain Maybank and all the Jiara adventures to come in Part 2!

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 drops November 7 on Netflix. All episodes of Part 1 are now streaming.

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24 Craveable Chocolate Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This chocolate cake has a tinge of red wine to really complement all the flavors. It's the perfect delicacy for dinner parties or even a lil' Valentine's celebration! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Miso Chocolate Cake

The umami notes of miso work surprisingly well with chocolate. Bake up the power duo in this delicious (and easy!) sheet cake. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Cake

When you get a bite of both the creamy ice cream and fudgy chocolate layers in this cake, you will experience absolute heaven. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Star-Studded Dark Chocolate Cake Bites

You need to make these festive chocolate-covered cake bites adorned with adorable star sprinkles. Since no slicing is involved, this is a great dessert to serve at parties or picnics. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black & White Tuxedo Cake

Get pumped for Halloween with our beautiful, bugged out chocolate cake recipe! (via Brit + Co)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Chocolate Guinness Cake

Guinness cake?! Oh, we're so in. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

This chocolate cake is made with sour cream, which transforms each bite to be super tender and soft. (via Completely Delicious)

No Eggs Or Ham

Personal Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes

These single-serve chocolate cakes are topped with cinnamon-espresso whipped cream and cayenne dust to create an otherworldly tasting experience. You'll be surprised at just how well the spice works with this recipe's sweetness. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Earthly Provisions

Single Layer Blueberry Chocolate Cake

Just look at that beautiful blueberry icing! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vikalinka

Chocolate Cake Truffles

Once a chocolate cake recipe turns bite-sized, our cravings run wild. These truffles are easy to make and even easier to customize with toppings of your choice depending on the occasion! (via Vikalinka)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Peppermint Flourless Chocolate Cake

Your next Christmas dessert awaits! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Mug Cake

We are absolute fiends for mug cakes! This one is nothing but chocolatey, thanks to the easy chocolate batter dotted with many more chocolate chips. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The First Mess

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cakes

These rich mini cakes combine orange juice and orange zest to provide a little bit of a lighter end note to the dark chocolate glaze. (via The First Mess)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Midnight Dark Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This chocolate cake slathered in peanut butter frosting earns its "midnight" nickname from the rich black cocoa powder that's worked into the decadent batter. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

The Original Dish

Molten Chocolate Cakes with Coffee & Rose

Coffee and rose are a match made in heaven when you add in a bit of chocolate. (via The Original Dish)

Foolproof Living

Dark Chocolate Waffle Cake

The perfect excuse to break out that waffle maker — and eat cake for breakfast. This pick layers dark chocolate waffles with a mascarpone filling for a unique twist on layer cake. (via Foolproof Living)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Frosted Cake Donuts

Homemade cake donuts – chocolate-frosted and sprinkled to perfection – are what we dream about before that alarm goes off in the AM. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Zucchini Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is packed with healthy goodness, but trust: you won’t miss any of the decadence. Zucchini, coconut oil and avocado stand in for unhealthy fats to give this recipe its richness. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Cake Batter Milkshake

Sometimes a girl just needs a giant bowl of cake batter all to herself. This batter-inspired smoothie recipe has all the chocolate flavor you crave. (via Averie Cooks)

Sweetapolita

Six-Layer Malted Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow Cake

Stacks of rich chocolate cake layered between malted Belgian-chocolate frosting and toasted marshmallow filling, this sky-scraping piece of campfire-inspired heaven is truly a masterpiece. (via Sweetapolita)

Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Pansy Cake

With beauty and braun, this pansy-covered chocolate layer cake would be absolutely precious at a tea party or ladies’ lunch. (via Style Me Pretty)

Smitten Kitchen

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Since it has “banana bread” in the title, you have full permission to have this one for breakfast. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Green Kitchen Stories

Banana Almond Chocolate Cake

This simple, wholesome bundt cake has less than 10 ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, with no refined sugar or dairy. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This pick shares the secret to a perfectly pink, fluffy raspberry buttercream to slather on your cake (and eat by the spoonful). (via My Baking Addiction)

Which chocolate cake recipes will you be making? Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more delicious desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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